A Holy Impression

Location:
Israel

Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Red Sea

By Sherida Clarck

A visit to the Holy Land not only promised everything advertised in various media features or what one could glean through the mysteries of time, a trip there offered so much more. When one thinks about the Holy Land, the first images that surface are those of mayhem and extremists on both sides of the divide. Screaming and wailing Palestinians, militant Orthodox Jews; these images are ingrained into our subconscious, inundated by the International Media.

For one who’s never travelled to the Desert the first impression is the high temperature which begs the question: how anyone can survive in such arid heat; a heat so invasive that it seems as if your veins are protesting against it most vigorously and as if every breath one’s taking is a concerted effort to draw much needed oxygen into their lungs. However, once acclimated - a process which takes decidedly shorter as there is no other choice - you can begin to enjoy the beauty of the climate as it seems to be quite unique in its kind.

A kind of beauty: simply overwhelming.

Even the heat seems less arduous than initially perceived.

From the coastal plains to the rock strewn inlands and the breathtaking vistas of the Dead Sea, Israel is a country of diversity and harmony, a contrast which is reflected in the people inhabiting this slice of earth wedged between rolling sand hills of the Saudi desert and blue splendour of the tranquil Mediterranean Sea.

Despite the, at times unstable, political situation, Israel is by no means an isolated slice of land and neglected humanity tucked away. This country remains popular with various people, and not in the least with the most adventurous and enterprising amongst us: the international backpacker. The Israeli Kibbutz remains wildly popular with the youth of the world. And rightly so: all backpackers I’ve spoken to are in agreement on one thing: it is an experience of a lifetime and the Kibbutzim offer something quite unique to the foreign experience.

One of the joys of lying in the womb of the Mediterenean is the pure breeze that washes over this land of troubled history and which gently pushes you further into the country with a zest to urge you to experience all the secrets it holds.

Socio-politically speaking Israel is as diverse and striking as the land on which it is settled. Its sheer Western façade clashes gently with ancient souks in the older quarters of Jerusalem; the skyline is abundant with proof of the three dominant denominations this small country harbours. The country’s stonemasons have made their mark upon the country; the white washed walls being quite distinctive.

Walking around Israel and doing the tourist thing, one, at first, cannot marry the concepts as taught by the International media to the relatively peaceful country and friendly people one encounters. Of course, there are many issues prevalent on the fringes of one’s perception that might catapult into the foreground at the drop of an innocuous, or seemingly innocuous, hat. But unless provoked, Israel has the feeling of an old and comfortable security blanket.

The proverbial hat in our case was Ariel Sharon’s visit to the mountain timed to coincide with our first ever visit to Israel. Whilst no one would argue that a visit to any mountain is something you might want to do in your life time, this visit was incendiary in itself as it inflamed the Muslim population in Israel.

Gone was the peaceful land which we visited, from one moment to the next the entire country was noticeably focused on any and all incidents that could happen. The International media got their portrayal justified: riots in the streets, a country in upheaval.

And yet: Israel is, and remains, a country that has more to offer than their press would suggest.

Further Information

Other helpful information: Be informed of the customs - e.g. women aren't supposed to go to the Western Wall.

Must see/do at this place: Absolutely the Red Sea / Any Kibbutz / Souk in Jerusalem.

You should avoid here: Being confrontational - it's important for security reasons to have your bags open when entering Malls - work with them.